In the the beginning of 2018, Dream-pop five-piece Barrie put out shimmering singles, “Canyons,” and “Tal Uno,” before releasing a 12” in October aptly titled Singles. The Brooklyn-based band hail from all over the country (and world), but have recently converged in New York to collaborate and write songs together. Their dreamy sound puts an ambient spin on retro synth pop, which makes for ultra gorgeous tracks that swirl in a neon glow. In 2019, they’ll be hitting the road in support of Miya Frolick in a US and Canada tour. Listen to "Michigan" below. Sara Nuta

Dolphin Midwives and Mordecai are teaming up for what’s sure to be an emotional and synth-driven night. The bands will be playing at the White Owl Social Club, Thursday December 27th. Listening to Dolphins Midwives puts you smack dab in the middle of a dark, calm night with the rays from a full moon kissing your brow. The sensitivity and depth present in the delicate strumming of the harp creates an intuitive and self-aware atmosphere. It puts you in touch with both the artist and yourself. Mordecai is known for their unique infusion of early 2000’s emo-ballads and electro-synth sensibilities. The band sounds like a more mature version of the songs you listened to in your bedroom as an angry teenager.

The sets start at 9, and the show is 21+. Tickets are free, so make sure to stop by!

We've been saying for years that female indie musicians have, on average, been producing a lot more interesting material than their dude counterparts, and L'Freaq, the project of bi-coastal electronic singer songwriter Lea Cappelli, is another piece in the truly beautiful puzzle representing NYC women's musical output in the new millennium. After releasing the delicate yet edgy electro-soul ballad "Weird Awakenings," the artists has recently unveiled a darker (and even edgier) single/video combo with "Moonlight" - streaming below. Channeling the experimental, noir ballads of Portishead, the track features a deceivingly sparse arrangement, blending a killer plodding and syncopated rhythm section with ever-evolving, ambient electronic soundscape. Lea's vocals not only confirm her noteworthy pipes and silky tone, but also reveal her ability to convey character to a performance and "play" the song's part, a trait only few musical performer possess. Don't miss her next live performance at Rockwood on February 2nd.

Since last year’s lovely-brilliant EP “The,” we’ve been awaiting the next move from Oakland’s own Perhapsy, solo project of artist Derek Barber (Curls, Bells Atlas). The new album, “Kingdom Starlight Bliss,” weaves an energy both soothing and invigorating. A shoegazing lover’s dream, songs are textured with the intricate guitar work that earned Barber his mad respect. Resonating melodies reach an almost intergalactic quality (check out The Curse!). His sweet vocals express emotions that are at times darker than most of his previous work: sad stories sprinkled with tough emotions and epiphanies; references to dooming relationships and dark times ahead. But as Barber puts it, “Kingdom” is an album full of endings, changes, and the eventual sparkle at the end of the tunnel. Give it a listen and check out those sweet images, too (did we mention he's also a cartoonist?)....Enjoy! - Michelle Kicherer, Associate Editor

Huck’s music is a product of the internet era. Brooklyn musician John Wolfe blends woozy slacker rock with the bedroom beats of SoundCloud in a way once unexpected but increasingly popular among DIY producers. His latest track “Scrimmage” sees Mac Demarco-style synths with tight production and the syrupy soft rap of Sophie Meiers. Elsewhere Huck leans into melodic guitar (“Summer Lovin’”) and stuttering electronica (“Without You”). A sort of slight eclecticism that merges styles moving with parallels. You can catch Huck live opening for Blac Rabbit at Mercury Lounge on December 30 or joining Goth Babe, B.Miles, and Pom Pom Squad at Baby’s All Right on January 30. Listen to "Scrimmage" below. – Cameron Carr

The Deli Magazine was born in NYC's Attorney Street in 2004, in the shape of a print issue with a then unknown band on its cover, called Grizzly Bear. Ths NYC blog came in 2005, then the SF one in 2006, and then 9 more in the following years. The Deli is focused on the coverage of emerging bands and solo artists with a 100% local focus - no exceptions!